Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Who was the famous American clockmaker?
1 Answer

There was actually more than one famous American clockmaker. Many people refer to Eli Terry as the “father of mass-produced clocks in the U.S.,” as he introduced the concept of interchangeable parts that made large-scale production possible. Another well-known name in the history of American clock-making is Seth Thomas, who founded the Seth Thomas Clock Company in 1813. Brothers Aaron and Simon Willard are also important figures in the field, having developed banjo clocks and tall case clocks, respectively. Shop a variety of antique and vintage clocks on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025
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Shop for Clocks on 1stDibs
Antique Ormolu Mounted Ebonised Gilt Bronze Chiming Mantel Clock c1860
Located in London, GB
A superb impressive ormolu mounted ebonised three train mantel clock, chiming on 8 bells with a gong, of large size Retailed by Green of Landport, circa 1880 in date.
The caddy top ...
Category
Antique 1860s Mantel Clocks
Materials
Brass, Ormolu
Museum Quality Neo-Gothic Three-Train Vienna Regulator Wall Clock
Located in Lisse, NL
A striking and high-quality Neo-Gothic Vienna regulator wall clock, dating to the late 19th century and featuring a rare three-train movement with quarter-hour strike on two gongs.
...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Gothic Revival Wall Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Brass, Bronze
Vintage Black Citizen Double-Sided Ship Wall Clock, 1980s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
Vintage Citizen ship wall clock designed during the 1980s in Japan. These clocks were used on large Japanese tankers and cargo ships. It features a black metal body, a metal dials wi...
Category
Vintage 1980s Japanese Industrial Wall Clocks
Materials
Iron
Contemporary Gaetano Pesce Round The Clock L Ochre Mauve Light Ruby
Located in barasso, IT
Round The Clock - Ochre, Mauve, Clear Light Ruby
Clock in hard resin designed by Gaetano Pesce for Fish Design collection.
Colour: Ochre, Mauve, Clear Lig...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wall Clocks
Materials
Resin
Vintage Cartier Paris Cased Palladium Plated Desk Alarm Clock 20th Century
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A cased Cartier square Art Deco style, travel desk clock with alarm. It has a quartz movement and a palladium plated metal rectangular case, circa 1990 in date.
The silvered clock h...
Category
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Onyx, Quartz, Metal, Silver
Vintage George Nelson Model-2202 Sunburst Clock for Howard Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage George Nelson Model 2202 sunburst clock for Howard Miller is an iconic example of mid-century modern design, combining playful geometry with timeless radial symmetry. Cr...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Clocks
Materials
Metal


